I've got a telephone job interview next week...?

Question

I've never had one before. What should I expect?

Answer 1

I've had several. It's just to pre-screen you. I've always had a face-to-face follow-up and once got offered the job (surprisingly).

It's just basic background information. I've had technical questions (I'm an engineer) asked over the phone but they were basic stuff that you should know. I've heard friends' phone interviews and they were pretty easy questions too but it can seem difficult when you're under that stress.

Sometimes it's to collect additional information to clear up the resume for the hiring manager.

No big deal. Don't worry about it. Nice thing is you don't even have to put on a shirt.

Answer 2

The same questions asked in the interview as a person-to person. Tell me about your background. What kind of job are you looking for? What did you do at your previous position? Smile and talk to the person who called you. Once you "ace" the telephone interview, that is when you get a person-to-person interview. Good luck.

Answer 3

A lot of companies are doing this now.. saves time and money for both of you. Here are some tips (yep cut/paste but I've used them in the past and they worked for me)

Preparing for the Call

Make sure the environment at your home or office is clear of other people and extraneous noise, such as radios, TVs, pets etc.

Have your resume in front of you for quick references.

Prepare a list of accomplishments for each of your positions prior to starting the call. Know what you are going to want to highlight.

Just like any interview, research the company, products, revenues, and other pertinent industry information.

Prepare questions based on the position's responsibilities, goals of the division, cultural style of the company, or the interviewer's background, if it is the hiring manager.

Be on time and don't get wrapped up in another call when you expecting this interview call.

If possible have the company website already pulled up. That way if something comes up in the conversation you look right on top of things.

Getting Things Started

Be enthusiastic. The first 15 seconds are crucial and interest in your voice is key. Just the way you answer the phone has an impact on the caller. Talk distinctly and with confidence.

Establish a connection. Ask about the caller's experience with the company or mention something you have read about the company.

Ask for an overview. Once you are comfortable, ask the interviewer what they are looking for and why the position is open. If you don't already have this information, this will provide you with good information so you can plan your responses.

Know your resume. Don't assume that the person on the other end of the phone knows your background or is familiar with the companies listed on your resume. Assume that you have to illustrate your entire background. Make your resume "come alive". Try to anticipate what a company may ask about your background.

Demonstrate a career plan. The interviewer may start with the question, "Tell me about yourself." One approach is to begin by saying, "Let me tell you how and why I am in my current position". If you have had a number of other titles at one company, explain the value you added to the company resulted in promotional opportunities.

Demonstrate accomplishments. Review a problem that you turned into a positive situation for each position that you list. Help the interviewer understand the problem, your specific role, what path you took to resolve it, and the final result. Paint a picture. Also, try to quantify accomplishment in each position (e.g. Increased sales by X percent; Oversaw budget of $Y).

Address reasons for leaving. Be clear on your reasons for leaving each position. Almost every interviewer will ask that question. If you left a job because there was a conflict in the department or with your supervisor, be brief about the conflict. Most people don't enjoy hearing a long drawn out negative explanation.

Ask questions from the list you prepared. Asking good questions illustrates that you are already thinking seriously about the position and joining the company. Potential employers expect to be asked questions and welcome opportunities to talk about their companies and/or their own backgrounds.

Be open to compensation questions. If you are asked, be specific and precise about the base, bonus, stock options, car allowance, etc. If asked, "What salary are you looking for to make a change?" A good answer is, "My current package is a base of $XX.XX and bonus of XX%, and I am hoping you will make me a fair offer based on my experience and the value I can bring to your company." The interviewer will usually not press you for a specific number if you answer the question in that manner.

Winding Up

Give up control. The end of the call is always a tricky thing. A good suggestion is to thank the caller for his or her time and say that you are interested in the opportunity. If the interviewer has not asked you about your schedule or availability, it is a good idea to ask, "What would the next step be in the process?" Let the interviewer re-establish control of the interview with this question.

Confirm information. If you don't already have it, be sure to ask for the interviewer's exact title and name spelling, along with a street or email address, so that you can send a thank you note. (Ask if the interviewer uses email regularly before sending one).


Good luck!

Answer 4

Basically the same questions as a regular interview they just want to see if you are worthy of a real face to face interview just make sure your phone is fully charged and you are free from noise and distractions. I wouldn't answer your call waiting either that would be considered rude. I had one and my daughter was screaming the whole time was extremely awkward but I got a regular interview after that so it must have been okay.

Answer 5

Well they will be asking questions about you, what your like,where you live,what you can do, and lots of other things.